True History of the Kelly Gang

by Peter Carey

  I seen Fitzpatrick pull my sister roughly onto his knee that were the last adjectival straw as far as I were concerned I showed myself plainly at the door.

  Off I ordered.

  Although he must of seen my gun the policeman disobeyed he patted my little sister’s hand. As for my mother she ignored the outrage opening her oven door and withdrawing 2 loaves of crusty bread on a long handled shovel.

  Get my sister off your effing lap.

  Fitzpatrick sighed You see what I must tolerate from those whom I protect?

  You must not worry none said Kate my brother will be nicer when he hears we’re to be married.

  O you silly tart I cried he cannot marry you.

  Fitzpatrick pushed her from his lap I seen his hand go round his revolver mine was already on the Colt.

  What game is this he asked.

  You’re spoken for already you mongrel.

  That got the ma’s attention.

  He’s engaged to one tart he’s got another pregnant in Frankston.

  My mother never hesitated she raised her shovel and clouted Fitzpatrick across the head his helmet fell he stumbled drawing out his .45. I fired the .31 hitting him in the wrist his revolver clattered to the floor.

  The new baby screamed and Joe Byrne come in the door his pupils the size of pinpricks he had my father’s old shotgun aimed at Fitzpatrick more or less. Little John King scuttled under the bed bum 1st. Kate had run away and were moaning behind the curtains of her crib. I ordered Joe to put down his gun and get the children over to Maggie Skilling’s.

  Bricky Williamson took one look at Joe then volunteered to take the kiddies he departed with babies hanging off him like an old sow running with her piglets sucking on her tits.

  Fitzpatrick were trying to wrap a handkerchief around his bleeding hand he cringed from me. It aint like it seems said he.

  Shut your mouth cried my mother I saw she had taken possession of the police issue .45 which she were pointing at the treacherous Fitzpatrick her hands was covered in flour her jaw were set her eyes alight with the power of her mighty will.

  You spoiled my girl you b–––––d.

  Fitzpatrick seemed surprised to see her take issue on this point.

  I’m very adjectival tired of whining cheating men my mother said she cocked the pistol with her big flat thumb it were wrong of me to let the last one go.

  Fitzpatrick then begun to cry he said he were a wretch he knew it but he swore before God he never would report us if we only let him live. Snot ran out his nose gathering in his whiskers he were an abject creature which won him no pity from my mother she spat on his head screaming that Annie were buried beneath the willows that were one daughter already dead from a policeman’s pizzle. I seen she might just shoot him.

  Give me the weapon Ma.

  Her hair were 1/2 unpinned her eyes was strange. I moved v. slowly extending my hand towards the .45 but even as I secured the cold hard barrel I knew I could not predict my mother.

  Now let it go Ma.

  Her mouth twisted downwards. Do it careful said I or you’ll have me beneath the willows too.

  At that her mouth collapsed issuing a dreadful cry she begun tearing at her hair. I took the revolver’s deadly weight as she rushed out into the night I could hear her bawling echoing down around the creek you never heard such grief it contained Bill Frost and George King all them lost children every loss and hurt she ever suffered it would wrench your guts.

  All around Fitzpatrick were people he had betrayed there was Dan & me & Kate whimpering on her bed there were more pain in that hut than any of us could bear I removed the shells and give his weapon back.

  If you have read Cons Fitzpatrick’s sworn statement you will not know of our kindnesses to the snivelling cur. Joe poured him rum I cut the bullet from his hand then dressed the injury and when he finally departed our hut he stood in the doorway thanking me with the following speech Joe Byrne were able to write it down so I submit it here as evidence.

  FITZPATRICK: I have to say you are as decent a man as ever I met and I want you to know that I know you saved my life tonight and I didnt deserve my life to be saved I am very sorry to have lost your respect for there is no man’s respect I would rather have.

  Once he had gone Joe recorded the following exchange.

  E. KELLY: What did you think of his speech?

  J. BYRNE: May he be roasted on hot iron the b– – – – – d is going to shop us all.

  So did it come to pass.

  PARCEL NINE

  The Murders at Stringybark Creek

  Bank of New South Wales letterhead, 42 sheets of medium stock (8‘ × 10‘ approx.). Some water damage.

  Manhunt following shooting of Fitzpatrick. Evidence that the police expected the fugitives apprehended fatally. An account of the gunfight at Stringybark Creek and Kelly’s often repeated claim that the gang acted in self-defence. Confirmation that Dan Kelly was wounded by police fire. Aaron Sherritt’s role as scout and supporter. Many attempts to cross the flooded Murray River, then a daring crossing of One Mile Creek while it was under police guard.

  ONCE OUR MOTHER RETURNED to the new hut she would not leave it she sat by the fire drawing shapes in the ashes I could not persuade her to flee though it were clear she were in serious trouble she had threatened a policeman.

  You don’t want to be in prison Ma.

  You don’t know what I want.

  All my life I had stood by her when I were 10 I killed Murray’s heifer so she would have meat when our poor da died I worked beside her I were the eldest son I left school at 12 yr. of age so she might farm I went with Harry Power that she might have gold when there were no food I laboured when there were no money I stole and when the worthless Frost & King closed round her like yellow dingoes on a chained up bitch I sought to protect her.

  Leave me said she go save your brother I made my bed I’ll lie in it.

  No said Dan it were me the b––––r come for.

  Go she said fiercely for Jesus’ sake let me live with what I done.

  Kate were howling in her bed Dan were most distressed he tried to hold his mother’s hands you aint done nothing.

  She wrenched herself away I’ve been a fool she said I’ve been as big a fool as any mother could ever be.

  She pushed Dan firmly towards me. Look after him said she he were a lot of trouble getting born don’t let him go to waste you hear me?

  Yes Ma.

  You hide him from the traps you hear I’ll stay with Katie.

  Many is the time I have imagined those final moments in the gloomy hut Kate bawling on the bed my mother kissing us both on the cheek.

  Go said she my soul’s within you.

  Next day we boys was far away and safe enough despite the warrants sworn against us for Attempted Murder we was in places where we could not be found. It were our people at Eleven Mile Creek who suffered. A warrant were issued for Maggie’s husband Bill Skilling who had been 4 mi. away in the presence of witnesses. Bricky Williamson done no more than carry the children to safety but on the basis of Fitzpatrick’s lies he were charged with Aiding and Abetting Attempted Murder. This same charge were laid against our mother and as I had left her undefended the police took her and the baby as easy as plucking mushrooms in a cow paddock. The pair of them were took to Beechworth Prison.

  And there Sir Redmond Barry waited for her like a great fat leech hiding in the bracken its only purpose to suck the living blood it were the same man who wished to hang the rebels at Eureka the same man who sentenced our Uncle James to death for burning down the house. When we heard he were to be the Judge we sent word through Mr Zinke we would surrender if Barry released the mother & babe but the great man thought us less than dog manure beneath his boots. Word came back he planned to teach a lesson to us so called LOUTS.

  In response I pledged to do the same for him.

  Kate were now denied to Fitzpatrick for all eternity the cowardly policeman next slunk down to Arundel Stre
et bearing the gift of an embroidered dress for baby George it were 9 o’clock on a Monday night and mother & child was both asleep but that were nothing to Fitzpatrick he knocked against their window pane ordering Mary to dress the boy in the new garment immediately. Well and good he were too dangerous to disobey so Mary done the dressing then lay George in his cart wheeling him out onto the veranda.

  Of course Fitzpatrick had no interest in a baby and once he struck a match and frightened George to death he declared himself very bored by all the bawling. The thing he wished to know were did Mary need assistance he worried how she might survive now Ned Kelly were a hunted man.

  Mary would of liked assistance to pull his beaky nose but said she had a little money saved with the Bank of Australasia.

  This were a most intelligent defence and it blocked him for a moment but then he come back asking if she had had her bank interest entered by the clerks.

  She didnt know she told him. Who ever would?

  Show me your savings book said he them clerks is scallywags sometimes they forget to write in the interest and that suits the bank believe me they make 1/2 their profits from forgotten interest.

  Mary were not going to show him no road but he were insistent looking at her so hard she could feel the hatred his eyes glistening like a dingo in the dark.

  I’ll show you when I find it Fitzy I can’t think where I’ve hid it then baby George begun to cough. Now said she I must put this little chap back to sleep inside.

  No no not yet I haven’t examined him properly.

  Mary prepared herself for one more match light inspection but then Fitzpatrick said excuse him he must use the dunny. When he finally returned all his passion for the baby were forgotten and he sat himself down in the rattan chair stretching out his legs.

  I have a secret he announced.

  I shall put George down to sleep said Mary then I’ll hear it.

  You’ll hear it now said the trap I have talked to the Stock Protection Association and the members are more than happy to assist you.

  She laughed she couldnt help it. If them squatters know my name its only because they heard I were a slut.

  They’ll think you the Blessed Virgin if you help them catch Ned Kelly. She felt his mouth brush against her hair it were then she knew he were even more loathsome than she had previously thought. No Fitzy she said I could never do that.

  Not even for your baby’s sake?

  She begun to shake so hard she could not speak. Fitzpatrick stretched himself out further in her armchair he struck a match. I took the liberty said he then she seen he were holding her blue bank passbook. Fitzy! You was in my room give that to me.

  I reckon I’ll keep this Mary I’m sure you don’t mind.

  She could not imagine why he would want her passbook but she recognised them cruel eyes in the match light. O Fitzy why do you hate me?

  He blew out his match the dark air were acrid with sulphur. I don’t hate you girlie but any Magistrate could look at this passbook and see you cannot support this child he is Endangered as we say in law.

  He were threatening to have her baby removed into an orphanage she would kill him 1st.

  Very well she said I’ll think about your offer.

  Yes he said coldly you can call at the Police Station before noon tomorrow.

  The minute he departed she knew she must flee she picked up the cart and carried George to her room then she dressed him in singlets nighties jackets shawls as many garments as she could fit one atop the other his arms and legs as stiff as broken limbs in plaster of Paris and he were crying very loud.

  While Mrs Robinson’s pianola played the Sailor’s Polka she rolled her own few possessions in a scarf and wrapped this inside a woollen cardigan. Then she changed her mind and tucked these items all around the baby bearing him along the passageway the floor were shuddering beneath the heavy tread of a RESPECTABLE squatter’s boots.

  She set her burden down in Arundel Street and pushed the cart through the windy dark towards the crabholed road that led to Eleven Mile Creek.

  She prayed Almighty and merciful God who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us command them to be our companions from our setting out until our return to clothe us with their invisible protection to keep from us all danger of collision of fire of explosion of fall and bruises. Even when the moon appeared in a chasm of clouds it were no comfort but a frightening apparition the clouds were lowering and angry north of Benalla the wind begun to blow and with it come a fine needling rain that stung her face. She removed her coat and lay it across her babe as the rain blew harder & heavier she were drenched to the bone. For a Kelly this were no bad night but for Mary a severe ordeal. She were afraid of Chinamen of blacks of swagmen her heart were beating as loud as a horse’s in her ears.

  At dawn your Aunt Kate saw a strange poor woman come limping down the track from the direction of Greta in the darkness your mother had already missed the Skilling Williamson and Kelly huts she now were doubling back her feet cut & blistered but her rattled baby were blessedly asleep.

  O God have pity cried Mary they cannot force me to betray him.

  Though Kate never knew her relationship to me she brought your mother inside and when they had both reassured themselves that George were not damaged by his adventure Kate bandaged the stranger’s feet with vinegar & brown paper then she learned who she were also the crimes Fitzpatrick had done against her.

  You’re home here lovey said my sister safe as with your own own people dear.

  Redmond Barry put on his lambskin then sentenced our mother to 3 yr. for Aiding and Abetting the Attempted Murder of Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick he further ruled she could not keep her baby with her he were a cruel and heartless b– – – – – d his time will come.

  The Wombat were steep & twisted deep gorges bounded by almost perpendicular ranges yet it did not feel safe the location of our camp were known to more people than were right. 1st come Aaron Sherritt with his wooden box of opium or oyouknow. Next were Jimmy Quinn then Wild Wright who said in explanation that he had been mooching around Finch’s saddlery in Main Street Mansfield. Moss Finch were a closelipped old b––––r he never talked to no one Wild Wright least of all for he were well known as a troublemaker in the town and not above a little thievery. When Moss Finch seen Wild drifting through the long oily shadows of his shop he were straight onto him.

  What can I do you for Isaiah?

  Well you could buy me a jar of porter Mr Finch.

  Ah but you know I don’t drink Isaiah.

  It aint you we was discussing.

  It were just banter Wild never had no hope of a drink he were bored and looking for some person or item to amuse him then it come to his attention that old Moss were sewing up a very long strip of hide into a belt or strap he could not see exactly what it were.

  Whats this adjectival thing?

  Ah look out now you’ve dropped the buckle.

  Wild set the buckle on the work bench. Who would need a 25 ft. long belt?

  The silence what followed offended him he always were v. sensitive. It’s a pulley belt he suggested.

  Still Moss did not answer.

  Whats this effing thing for? Wild’s voice were rising ever ready to imagine others thought themselves above him.

  Put it down Isaiah you know I’ve got a family to feed I aint got time for playing games but by the time Moss had finished speaking Isaiah Wright were pushing his face close against his own.

  I think you better tell me what its for Finchy.

  Here said Moss impatiently digging into his apron heres a bob go have a drink if that will calm you down.

  Well that done it. Never in the whole history of Mansfield had Moss Finch ever been known to buy a drink for no one.

  Wild pocketed the money. Tell me what it is 1st.

  Very well Isaiah its what they call an undertaker.

  O yairs said Wild in the way bush people do meaning please continue.

  Yes tha
ts what they call it.

  What does it do?

  Lord help me what does it sound like it does its for carrying a body its for strapping a dead man to a packhorse like I said its an undertaker now get out of here and let me finish. Moss picked up his lump of dirty yellow beeswax running it up and down his thread the wax were crisscrossed with deep dry furrows.

  Who are you making that for Mr Finch?

  That aint none of your business Isaiah.

  O come on Mr Finch I never done nothing against you did I?

  Moss said that were not the point yet it were clear to him that Wild had not asked the question idly.

  Never hurt you in any way never borrowed your horse or nothing.

  Moss looked at the beeswax closely as if them crisscross lines was holding some secret information. All right said he I am making this for Sgt Kennedy now go and leave me.

  Kennedy is planning on killing someone?

  Moss Finch turned on him his eyes very fierce.

  Why Jesus Christ cried Wild they’re going to kill the Kelly boys.

  That were what Wild cantered 30 mi. to tell us. Thus we imagined our undertakers the leather straps lay fully revealed like giant tapeworms nestling in our guts all our lifetimes growing larger every day. No one cooked that evening we just sat staring in the fire watching the sap sizzling out of the big green logs as the dark come down it were the young lads who concerned me most. Steve and Dan squatted side by side sipping their billy tea they was brave hiding their feelings in the darkness of their hats.

  When we had ate a can of sardines and was all rolled up in our coats for the night it were Joe Byrne who spoke. His voice were grey & scratchy as when he were out of oyouknow.

  He said he were going to America or Africa the sooner the better the future were clear to him. You don’t mind Ned he asked.

  I don’t mind.

  You fellows could come too we could go across to Gippsland and get a boat from Eden. They won’t think to look for us in Gippsland they’ll be watching the crossings of the Murray River. Ned?